Students and faculty at Sacred Heart-Griffin High School started the school day Monday mourning the death of longtime teacher Steve Elliott.

Elliott, 54, of Waverly, was in his 25th year as a math teacher at SHG. The school notified people of the death on its Facebook page Saturday:

“It is with great sadness we mourn the loss of our friend and faculty member, Mr. Steve Elliott. His intelligence and sense of humor influenced many students and faculty throughout his tenure at SHG. Our prayers are with the Elliott family at this difficult time.”

Sangamon County Coroner Cinda Edwards said Monday that Elliott's death was consistent with a suicide. He was found about 8 a.m. Saturday at Chatham Memorial Cemetery, where he was pronounced dead at 9:05 a.m.

Pam Elliott, Steve's wife, said Elliott never got over the loss of his son, Sean, who died at the age of 20 in a single-vehicle crash in Kendall County in 2006. Sean was buried at the same cemetery where Steve was found.

Sean Elliott was a standout football player at Chatham Glenwood High School who graduated in 2004. He played football at Aurora University.

Pam Elliott said her husband had also been suffering from health problems that likely contributed to depression. She said the family was “hanging in there” since the death.

“They were very close, and he never truly recovered from that,” Pam Elliott said about Steve's relationship with his son.

The president of SHG, Sister Katherine O'Connor, said the school opened its doors and had counselors on hand Saturday for anyone to come in and mourn Elliott's loss.

O'Connor said school counselors also were available Monday for students and teachers and would continue to be available as long as there's a need.

O'Connor described Elliott as a funny guy, who was very bright and cared about his students.

“The kids just loved him, and he loved the students,” she said.

The news of Elliott's death sparked an outpouring of support and prayers on social media. Many people described Elliott as their favorite teacher and someone who would be greatly missed.

Mike Coady, a 1994 graduate of SHG, said on the phone Monday that Elliott was one of his favorite teachers and the first person to teach him algebra.

If Elliott didn't spend that extra time with him, Coady said, he probably never would have been able to become a roofer and start his own business.

“He really taught me and made sure I knew it before he moved on,” Coady said. “I will always remember him.”

A celebration of life is planned for friends and family of Elliott. There will not be a funeral or wake per his request.